Recently, I was sent a variety of Ayurvedic lifestyle products to try on behalf of Shilpa Sankaran. Shilpa is the founder of Kosa Ayurveda & Kosa Spa and is a Certified Ayurvedic Health Coach. Although I don’t know a lot about Ayurveda, I was curious to find out more about it and to try some of Kosa’s products.
What Is Ayurveda? A Simple Definition
“Ayurveda, an Indian art of medicine dating back over 5,000 years, translates to the “science of life” or “the art of longevity.” It is founded on the principle that all of the five elements of nature are a part of us, and that if we keep these elements in balance, we can lead lives filled with energy, contentment, and connection to others. This science focuses on prevention, treating us as unique individuals who require specific and proactive treatments to maintain a healthy balance of mind, body, and spirit.”
Although I was perfectly relaxed during my vacation at the end of January, I’ve been anything but relaxed since our return. Out of balance is definitely an apt description of how I am feeling lately. I was eager to try Kosa’s Ayurvedic products.
I’ve learned that Ayurvedic practice involves customizing treatments to an individual’s unique constitution and nature called prakriti. The types of constitutions, or doshas, are derived from the five elements of nature that form 3 categories:
- Vata: wind and air – nourishing and grounding
- Pitta: fire – soothing and detoxifying
- Kapha: earth and water – energizing and brightening
One’s doshas can shift from time to time as personal and environmental conditions change, so an individual is not characterized by one immutable dosha. What Ayurveda seeks is balance.
Kosa’s Self-Care Products
Based on herbs and spices that can have effects on our bodies and mindset, Kosa’s product line is made up of:
- body care
- skin care
- hair care
- teas
- aromatherapy
I was sent a body care sample and two teas to try.
Vata Hand & Body Lotion
From the Fall/Winter collection of body and hair products, I received a one ounce travel size bottle of Kosa Nourishing Cedarwood & Cinnamon Vata Hand & Body Lotion. Made with plant extracts, herbs and essential oils, Vata Hand & Body Lotion hydrates skin while balancing your mindset and body constitution. Vata HBL is recommended for those with dry skin and “an anxious mind”. A perfect description of me lately.
The white lotion itself is lightweight and non-greasy, and it absorbs quickly as it softens. It can be used as a massage lotion as well as for moisturizing.
If you glance at the ingredient list below, in addition to the plant oils and extracts, you can’t help but noticed the variety of essential oils. The Nourishing Cedarwood & Cinnamon is also an aromatherapy lotion with an intoxicating and noticeable scent. I use this lotion when I am not planning to wear an additional perfume. The lotion has all the fragrance I need! However, the scent doesn’t last forever. After about 15 minutes, the scent stops projecting, but you can still smell it close to your skin. The essential oils do have a marked effect on me. They make me inhale deeply and slow down my breathing, so I do feel calmer after I apply the lotion.
Ingredients: water; vegetable glycerine; emulsifying wax NF; stearic acid; oils of baobab (adansonia digitata), sesame (sesamum Indicum) seed*, olive (olea europaea)*, avocado (persea gratissima)*; lactobacillus & coconut fruit extract (preservative); vitamin E (tocopherol); essential oils of lavender, cedarwood, cinnamon, lemongrass, clove, ylang-ylang, ginger; xantham gum; vitamin E (tocopherol) *Certified Organic
Kosa Vata Hand & Body Lotion comes in the 1 oz. travel size ($3) as well as in an 8 oz. pump bottle ($22). Truthfully, the travel size bottle is made from a stiff plastic that I find difficult to squeeze out of the flip-up dispenser. Instead, I have a long, thin plastic spoon that I use to get out whatever remains in a long thin bottle or jar, and it works well to scoop out lotion for me to apply. The 8 oz. pump bottle looks like it would be much easier to use.
Golden Milk Tea
Kosa Golden Milk Tea is healing drink with anti-inflammatory benefits from fresh turmeric (as well as the bright yellow color!). The adaptogenic herb, ashwagandha, reduces the body’s reaction to stressors making one feel calmer both while and after drinking the tea.
Made with all organic spices, the Golden Milk Tea blend is authentic and spicy containing organic turmeric, ginger, ashwagandha, black pepper, and cardamom.
To prepare the tea, add 1/2 – 1 teaspoon of Golden Milk Tea to a hot mixture of 2/3 cup of milk of any kind and 1/3 cup water, and let it steep for 5 minutes. I add 2 packets of raw sugar and sprinkle in cinnamon and either cardamom or nutmeg. Then I froth it, and it is delicious!
Though currently sold out on the Kosa website, Golden Milk Tea is priced at $13 for a tub. Although the label doesn’t mention how much tea is in the tub, I am guessing it is about a half cup.
Masala Chai
Made from a family recipe, Kosa Masala Chai is organic and most happily caffeine-free so I can indulge at any time of day or night! I love that because most chai blends are made with caffeinated black tea. It is rich and spicy with a caramel finish that is very satisfying. It nourishes one’s body with prebiotics as well as detoxifying and warming spices. Loaded with antioxidants, the masala (mixture) also supports digestion and balances blood sugar levels.
Ingredients are organic chicory, ginger powder, green cardamom powder, Tellicherry black peepper, ground cloves, nutmeg, mace, and Ceylon cinnamon. No tea, but it definitely is delicious and tastes like Masala Chai! When I open the tub that it comes in, the fragrance of the spices is absolutely divine! I love it!
I prepare it similarly to the Golden Milk Tea: 1/2-1 teaspoon of the Masala Chai mixture added to 1/3 cup of hot water. I mix it and let it steep for 5 minutes. Then I strain it because in addition to the powdered spices there are some ground spices in the mix. Next, add the strained mixture to 2/3 cup of hot milk of your choice. Next, I add 2 packets of raw sugar and then sprinkle it with cardamom and cinnamon. Frothing it makes it even more luscious!
Masala Chai also comes in a tub for $12, and it is sold on the Kosa website. It is in stock now, and it is well worth trying if you are a fan of chai. Yum!
If you want to learn more about Ayurveda or are a fan of Ayurvedic products or prefer to use self-care products made with organic ingredients, check out the Kosa website for these and the rest of their high quality yet affordable products made in Wisconsin! Save 10% on your first purchase with the code SELFLOVE10.
